“Black Friday” continues Lie To Me’s strong performance this year, with another tightly written and moving episode. One of the changes show-runner Shawn Ryan brings to the show is to shift this procedural’s format from week to week, keeping it fresh. I’ve always felt the episodes that feature the Lightman Group splitting in two to follow separate cases have an issue with the B case not being as strong as the A case. Roth’s performance is the key to the success of this show, and where he is not, the audience would generally also rather it was not . But this week shows the writers are getting a handle on this issue. Both cases are interesting and Lightman pops in and out of the B case just enough to tie the two stories together. Between the two, we are treated to a topical exploration of crowd dynamics and a moving look at family and identity.
Lightman’s case begins, appropriately enough for a case focused on family, at home. To his daughter’s wry amusement, Zoe and Foster are joining them at Cal’s for what she calls a make believe family holiday, in this case, Thanksgiving. Emily’s misgivings about her family structure set the stage for a knock on the door introducing Max, a teenage boy desperate to find out who he is. The lad is certain his parents are not his real parents and he was abducted as a baby. Incredible as the tale sounds, he does have a scar that matches that of James Knox, a well known abduction case. Max is desperate to know who he is and tells Lightman, “I have to know the truth!”
Lightman takes the case, but he knows searching for truth can be dangerous. He sets the scene for Max to confront his parents, and Max lets them know he secretly did a paternity test using the internet. The result is, he bitterly tells them, “I’m not related to either of you.” This raises the issue of what exactly constitutes a relationship. Is it sharing DNA or a life? Foster also raises the issue of the cost of the questions Max is asking. Although she and Cal now know the people who raised Max are not his biological parents, she insists they cannot call the cops and instead have to protect Max. Cal isn’t arguing—he is delighted that Foster is learning to think like a criminal (and like him!)—but exposing lies can be very dangerous. Will they be able to protect Max?
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - kidder1969
Well written, very good recap of Lie to Me's episode of "Black Friday". I love this show and it certainly is one of the best shows on tv! I think it's great getting to know the characters a bit more this season. I still love the science, but I think the mix of action, drama and humor that is thrown into it really makes the show work! It's great to see such strong emotion and at the same time be able to lighten up some scenes with funny one-liners. I sure hope Fox will keep this show around and fans continue to express their interest. This show deserves a chance, thanks to a great cast and crew! They've worked very hard to build an audience and it has, in my opinion been getting better and better each week! Way to go, Lie to Me!
2 - Gerry
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I also like the way humour is woven into the show--Tim Roth handles "funny" as well as he does "intense." Let's hope FOX decides to support the show.
3 - IslandGirl2000
I'm loving this series so far. The premise, writing and acting are fantastic! Hoping to see more about Foster's background. We already know a lot about Torres, Reynolds and even Lightman, but other than the fact that she and Cal go back a long way and she saved his ass when no one else would (really want to know that story) and that her father was an alcoholic (explains being in a relationship with an addict), we don't know much about her. I do enjoy the fact that although she can read other people, she is a horrible liar. Although, I do think it's strange that she kept the almost adoption from Lightman until the case with the kidnapping.
Looking forward to Monday's episode and your review!
4 - Gerry
Thanks! I too look forward to learning more about Foster. Considering last year, one of my criticisms was not knowing enough about the team, this year has come up in spades on adding interesting story to each of the supporting players.